Scarborough start their Nationwide Conference Easter programme with the visit of Hereford United to the McCain Stadium, knowing that victory is vital to their hopes of survival.

The Seasiders are just two points above Stalybridge Celtic, who occupy the third relegation spot.

Top scorer Darryn Stamp is suspended, but player-coach Mark Patterson is available again.

One-time Leeds United player Andy Wright is also added to the squad after his international clearance finally came through from the Dutch FA.

The incentive for survival for manager Russ Slade's side is even greater, as the Conference Office have issued a statement concerning increased promotion to the Football League next season.

The statement said: "We welcome the recent action by the Football Association in arranging to increase the number of promotion places for the 2002-2003 season."

However, the Football League are not so adamant about the posotion regarding a greater degree of promotion to the professional set-up.

Spokesman John Nagle countered: "There have been a number of meetings where substantial progress has been made.

"But there are a lot of 'i's and t's' to be dotted and crossed yet and any such change is subject to the members' approval at their meeting in the summer."

After playing hosts to Hereford the Seadogs then visit Leigh RMI on Easter Monday.

Scarborough (probable): Woods, Rennison, Hotte, Baker, Jordan, Salt, Stoker, Pounder, Blunt, Sugden, Rose. Subs: Wright, Patterson, Shannon, Faure, Brunton.

Updated: 11:15 Friday, March 29, 2002